While You Count the Stars
by Novica Tadic
^{translated from the Serbian by Charles Simic}

While you count the stars, some woman next to you
tells you that the world is full of hatred,
gasps of love and sawdust. Not long ago, she left
her husband who ditched her in the forest.

The rabbit is in the pot, the broom is behind the door.

When you cross her threshold, you'll see your shadow,
her god, her many gods.
You'll be again a stupid man
who bullies and torments.
You'll be perplexed, have no idea where you are.
You'll follow the burning river, descending even lower.
Evil spirits will rise out of the palm of your hand.


Nephrite =Enronian






A Bird Started to Sing
by Novica Tadic
^{translated from the Serbian by Charles Simic}

A bird started to sing
on a clear day
over the gallows

A branch stirred
in a small grove
next to a smoldering fire

A stream babbled
over the bodies
of the ones struck down

Wind lifted the ashes
and spread them
over other ashes


Pianissimo *damnengine